Way back in 2006 I snapped some photos inside of B.'s dad, Tom's, garage.

Tom has contributed mightily to the Bike Jerks cause over the last few years so likely you've seen some of his work, such as the HI-Five shirt, The Tom, and others such as this handbill from the first Track or Treat race:

As you also likely know, Tom once owned a shop in St. Paul during the 70's and 80's. add drawn by Tom

Back in 2007 I shot these photos of his garage. I recently came back across them and thought you might like to see a peek at some of his tools and keepsakes.

The whole set is here on my Flickr, and over the week I'll post the photos of the two complete bikes I shot that day. (I say shot, but I've got to admit these are not the best photographs I've ever taken. There were some super interesting things but much of them were out of focus and back then I didn't take nearly as much time or have nearly as nice a camera.)

October 28, 2011

Here are some photos from some recent CHUD Rides here in Milwaukee. Almost every Sunday and getting bigger every time. The CHUD is the tunnel rat and bridge troll ride that can last anywhere from 4 to 9 hours or 6 to 20 beers. Always a good way to decimate a day.

Saw these in a store, and it said that if you keep them around they will drive off pests such as spiders and centipedes. I'd never heard of such a thing, but B.Ridget had, so we decided to give them a shot. Though now that I get around to doing this blog post, I poked around the internet and it says it's all a bunch of stupid Iowa bullshit.
I feel so duped.

October 27, 2011

It's time for a change in the blog layout. I need a new layout, a better way to display photos, and a way to feature articles. I think I can get, or could use your help, to get wordpress to do everything I need and look significantly better than the current blog. But I lack the knowledge and skill to integrate it into the current Bike Jerks website. I just need it to be part of our home URL, you know www.bikejerks.com/blog.

Let me know if you're willing to lend a hand/volunteer/work cheap/trade for bike work

I got this email from Matt, and thought that I should share it with y'all.

I want to let you know about a series of meetings (called a “Design Charrette”) that will decide the future of additional mountain bike trails at Wirth Park. Specifically, next week a group of professional designers will be meeting at the Ski Chalet in Wirth Park to discuss and develop ideas for Wirth Park, including the SOUTHWEST section of the Park, which is bounded on the south by 394, on the east by Theodore Wirth Parkway, and on the north by Glenwood. Yes we are talking about the possibility of legal bike trails on the big hill to the west of the parkway.

MOCA has already submitted a written plan outlining the possibilities for additional trail sections in this part of the park. But it might not happen unless people (you) get out and say that this is what they would like to see!

There are THREE meetings next week where people can come and talk with the design team and indicate support for more off-road bike trails in the SW Wirth area:

•Wednesday, November 2, 6-9 pm, Community Meeting (Wirth Chalet, 2nd Floor): This will be an opportunity for the CAC, design team and community to share and discuss key information about usage, demographics, program opportunities, natural resources, and community visions for the park.

•Thursday, November 3, 4-5:30 pm, Open Studio (Wirth Chalet, 2nd Floor): The design team will be working in the chalet throughout the day to develop concepts. Stop by the chalet to see concept ideas in progress and visit with the designers.

•Saturday, November 5, 9-11:30 am, Community Open House (Par 3 Golf Clubhouse): Attend an open house to review and comment on the design concepts.

Then the final plans will be presented to the Citizen’s Advisory Committee at a meeting on Tuesday, November 8th at MPRB Headquarters (2117 West River Road):

•Tuesday, November 8, 6:30-8:30 pm, Citizen Advisory Committee Meeting (Board Room): The CAC will be developing overall recommendations for the park’s master plan and funding priorities. All are welcome to attend and an opportunity for public comment will be provided at 8:10 pm.

Here is a link to the Park Board web page with a list of all the meetings and lots of other details:

GO to one or more of the design sessions to talk with the designers and tell them about the great riding experience at Wirth, and how additional trails in SW Wirth would be a fantastic addition to the park.

GO to the Citizen’s Advisory Committee meeting on November 8th and voice your support for more bike trails. There is only 20 minutes budgeted for the public and you will have to sign up to speak so get there early if you are going to do this. Dress like the biker you are, that is fine!

WHAT IF I CAN’T GO OR WOULD RATHER TRY A SICK LINE THAN SPEAK IN PUBLIC?

You can submit a comment online!! Yes how easy could it be? Get on it!

Individuals may submit their comments to the CAC members on-line. Click here to make a comment.

Individuals may also send public comment on the project to Jennifer Ringold at jringold@minneapolisparks.org or Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, 2117 West River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55411.

WHAT DO I SAY?
Tell them you live in Minneapolis if that is true

Tell them why you like riding at Theo

Talk about sustainable trails and preventing erosion

Talk about the kids and new riders you see using the trails

Talk about how bike trails help create bike industry jobs especially if you have one

Talk about how you like being out in nature

Don’t argue with anybody else or react or kick dirt on them, just be positive!!

WITH YOUR HELP WE CAN GET MORE TRAILS INTO THE OFFICIAL DESIGN FOR WIRTH PARK AND THEY WILL FINALLY HAPPEN!! THIS IS IT THE TIME IS NOW.

Andy made this lovely hip pouch that recalls the first prize bag he ever did for a Bike Jerks event and one of his first bags overall. That was way back in 2008, and it's amazing to see how much his work has progressed.

2008 prize

2011 prize

In an effort to encourage more participation by the ladies. This tool pouch will be given to the first place woman at Friday's race.

In addition, both the men's and women's winners will receive a track wheelset courtesy of Velocity and All-City.

The rainy weather earlier in the day didn't stop the racing as some where around 25 racers lined up for the first race down by the Mississippi river. The course was technical and fast, and all racers finished unhurt and happy. All in all an amazing day spent in the woods.

A big shout out to Tim who helped clear and rake the trails with me before hand. Dudes like that make it possible for these races to happen.

Here are my shots from around the course. I rode the first two laps, then bailed to shoot photos.

Ian on the singletrack

This is the courses main feature. The stream crossing to scramble out.

Here it is from another angle. Pretty rad, huh?

everybody's favorite, the dude on the Nice Ride about to negotiate the hairy crawl up out of the stream bed. Spirit award winner for sure.

second run up

Martin on his way to second place

S.K. after being king for a day

lighting up a danger dollar

congrats to the big winner, Brandon.

happy racers at the finish

please direct all questions to my attorney

Thanks to all who showed, raced, spectated, and made the day so much fun.